ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

CHRISTMAS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN!

Syncopate! Percolate! Deck-The-Halls-With-Boughs-of-Hollyate! Put aside the holiday caroling this year and groove up to Christmas jazz in a free-and-easy soulful sound that’s smooth, sprightly and utterly surprising to the senses.

Tidings of Comfort and Joy, A Jazz Piano Trio Christmas is a collection of thirteen of your favorite yuletide classics as you’ve never heard them before - ear-pleasing and ear-perking treats packed together like an assortment of gifts in an overstuffed Christmas stocking…a sound of cheerful familiarity, a dynamic trio of piano, bass and drums arranged and delivered to your ears in uplifting, spirited, innovative ways…a masterful conversion of traditional harmonies into effervescent pieces ranging from swing to progressive fusion…the sound of your favorites that are also pure jazz and purely, singularly unique.

Early reviews from first listeners of this CD have brought back comments like amazing… sheer greatness…deserves a long standing ovation…absolute standout…gives me chills…comforts as it thrills…transcendent sounds.

Who other than Jim Skafish could deliver these amazing sounds to you? In February 1976, he appeared in the public limelight as a burst of genius punctuating the musical scene. Acknowledged as the sole originator and Godfather of Chicago’s punk, new wave, alternative and indie rock movements, Skafish was the first Chicago artist of these genres to perform at CBGB’s in New York in April 1977; The Whiskey A Go Go in Los Angeles in February 1978; and to appear in London before an audience of 45,000 with The Police, UB-40 and Squeeze in July 1980. He has also toured and/or performed with the likes of: Ramones, Iggy Pop, The Police, U-2, The Stranglers, Squeeze, Ultravox, Scorpions, UB-40, The Cramps, The Mumps, XTC, The Lemonheads and Dead Boys.

All who experienced Skafish agree that this pioneering innovator’s sound was unlike anything they had previously heard. Billy Cox of PolyGram Records told Skafish, “I believe you started alternative music worldwide.” Both the performer and his music were like a bolt of lightning that suddenly materialized as if from another dimension. A phenomenon had arrived and it bore a name: Skafish!

Now it’s Skafish returned, at Christmas time, and the motif is jazz – no alien territory to his vast range and repertoire. Regarded as a child prodigy and musical genius by his blind piano teacher at age six, Skafish's earliest compositions were instrumental jazz. In high school, he formed the Jim Skafish Group, a jazz trio, while also studying with international jazz legend Willie Pickens at Chicago’s American Conservatory.

As his improvisational skills on the piano grew exponentially over the years, some of the musical greats who commented on his talent included jazz legend Stan Kenton, who called him “a genius” after hearing one of his original rock song demo tapes; to blues master Willie Dixon who referred to Skafish as “the best musician I know;” to the peerless Muddy Waters who was quoted in a 1981 UPI news story as saying, “When Jim Skafish walks into the room, I could swear it was Mick Jagger.”

Skafish was a pioneer perhaps decades ahead of his time. While recognized by the greats of jazz and rock as a musical giant, the commercial victory he deserved would remain a step behind. In 1983, Skafish turned to his virtuoso as a pianist, teaching privately and performing gigs anywhere and everywhere. This included playing private Christmas parties as a solo pianist. Improvisation had come second nature to him since childhood, and improvising on-the-spot jazz arrangements of Christmas carols evoked an overwhelming response among all who heard and witnessed this feat.

Now Skafish’s multidimensional talent turns to Christmas jazz again, in an album just in time for the holidays.

Jazz aficionados have marveled at his skill and artistry as he takes simple traditional holiday melodies and transforms them through altered harmonies, unique rhythmical structures and stylized improvisations into one-of-a-kind new and bonafide jazz compositions.

You will never hear renditions the likes of We Three Kings Fusion; God Rest Ye Merry Gents; Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; O Come O Come Emmanuel; or the remaining nine enduring Christmas classics brought to you in this incomparable album. Skafish has arranged and delivered these treats especially for you for your listening rapture. Christmas will never be the same again!

CD Baby is wonderful! I couldn't find this CD anywhere after hearing about it on NPR, and CD Baby got it to me quickly, in time for Christmas. The CD is excellent--it was a gift and the recipient Loved it. Thank you!

With this CD, Jim Skafish reminds listeners that Christmas is just a state of mind. He released this CD out of season, but the music put me in the festive spirit. The songs are familiar, but the playing is beautiful. It's a holiday CD that's appropriate any time of year.

I'm someone who remembers Skafish from the 70's and 80's in Chicago. He was a true genius and pioneer. I was delighted to see he's returned and so triumphantly with this Christmas jazz masterpiece. This is an album that delights to the core - and worth playing not only at Christmas time - but anytime, during any season of the year!
Buy it!

This is unquestionably the best Christmas jazz album I've ever heard. And you know what? My kids love it. They play it over and over. That says to me that Mr. Skafish must have "channeled" this music from a very pure place!

I was looking for a great jazz Christmas CD that had all of my favorite carols, but with a unique interpretation. Skafish is true to the flavor of the carols, while adding great riffs and interesting arrangements. I highly recommend it to any jazz enthusiast, and anyone who would enjoy an instrumental Christmas CD.

This is truly one of the best new releases of the season. Skafish is a classically and jazz trained artist that has always liked to do things his own way. The compositions sometimes yield invigorating rhythms and yet on others, a quiet beauty. The trilogy of piano, bass and drums on “Tidings” has no lulls or flat spots. The improvisational rhythms and melodies here are uniquely refreshing. This album will have your toes tapping and feet dancing. It is truly a joyous holiday recording. You cannot go wrong checking out a Skafish Christmas Chicago-blues-jazz, alternative style!
--Alexander Choman, Music Critic

Your first release for fourteen years and well worth the wait. It is just fantastic in every way, and you are extremely talented. Thank you very much Skafish, you have redefined all of these traditional Christmas songs. --Helen Jarroe,Cairns FM89.1

Absolutely amazing arrangements of Yule Tide compositions, well done to all concerned.... Keep up the great works, and I look forward to hearing from Jim Skafish more in the future. Larry Groves Jazz presenter @ 3mbs FM 103.5....Victoria Australia

This is a quite superb recording from the first track to the last, I would fail to see who could not enjoy this. To produce a recording of Traditional Christmas and Festive Tunes and convert them to a Jazz interpretation takes a considerable talent and Jim Skafish has this in abundance. Superbly arranged, the melodies are never lost, and are not dominated by the solos and interplay between the Musicians, all of whom play to the highest level. I will certainly feature this in a forthcoming Jazz Programme, perfect timing for the Festive Season. Full marks to all concerned with this project. Simply Terrific. Best Wishes. John Reid, Keith Community Radio 102.8 FM Keith Banffshire SCOTLAND